Holistic Birding
Kakiat County Park
Overview
This 376-acre park features a diverse mix of habitats, ranging from wetlands and river corridors to rolling hills and steep mountainsides. The Mahwah River flows through the length of the park, creating important riparian habitat and areas that may flood during periods of heavy rain.
The park’s varied topography and mix of trees — both deciduous and coniferous, as well as several small open areas— provide habitat for a wide variety of birds throughout the year.
Birding Kakiat
The entire park can be productive, with 170 bird species already documented, but the area around the bridge is a great place to start. It is not unusual to spend an hour here before moving on — the vegetation along the riverbanks and surrounding paths can be full of activity. Be sure to check both sides of the bridge, as well as the vegetation along the water and trail.
Kakiat has several trails, including the blue and white trails. My typical route begins by heading left from the bridge and following the river. Bird this entire section before continuing toward the open areas.
Be sure to check the wood chip pile area. From there, take the immediate trail behind the pile into the forest. You can cross over and explore the large circular area before heading back toward the bridge. When you reach the blue trail, make a left and follow it along the river, passing through a beautiful pine stand. Continue by bearing left and then left again onto the white trail, which will bring you back toward the bridge area.
Visitor Information
Restrooms
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Yes-year round.
Accessibility
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Trails are primarily dirt and can be root-y in places.
Fees
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None
For more information, visit the park website.
